Dumb question about 45-70 reloading

[Chancy Shot]

I just ordered a Buffalo Classic in 45-70 and want to start working up a load for it.  I have Winchester 45-70 brass and have ordered some 405 grain lead bullets, but cannot find any definite information on the primer to use.  I would assume it is a large rifle primer, but I hate to make assumptions about reloading.

Any other suggestions about a load to start with would be appreciated. 

Thanks !!
Chancy

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Yes, the 45-70 uses Large Rifle primers. I usually use Winchester brand myself.

[Angel_Eyes]

Hi CC, large rifle primers will work for both Black powder and that new fangled smokeless stuff.
Invest in a reloading manual for smokeless powders.
For holy black you just have to make sure there is no airspace between powder and bullet, whether you use wad's, grease cookies or whatever.
Don't worry though, I feel sure there are plenty of people out here who will give you their pet loads.

Good luck and make smoke, UKshooter

[Dick Dastardly]

I'll use the predication "when loading Genuine Black Powder" here.  I use CCI-300 Large Pistol primers with good success when loading bp for my 45-70 with Big Lube™ bullets.  My manuals all call for Large Rifle primers, but I learned at Winnequah 1000 yard bp matches that many of the best shooters were using Large Pistol primers.  I tried it and got slightly more consistent results on paper and over my Ohler 33 Chronograph with large pistol primers than I got from the same ammo with large rifle primers.

Ok, so now I've muddied the water a mite.  It's not as clear cut as it might seem.  If you are loading for ranges 500 yards and under, use the Large Rifle primers.  If you are going on out to distances up to 1000 yards, you will enter a field of experimentation like you have never done before.  This is where extreme nit picky details become very important and individual to each gun, bullet, brass, primer and powder.

DD-DLoS

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Mike Venturino used to write about Federal 215 LRMs in his long range loads.  It worked for him, but when I tried it in my Pedersoli Sharps it was only so-so.  I tried CCI LRMs and group size shrank.  How things change.  When I competed in Schuetzen, pistol primers were the norm.  Into BP, a few years ago and it was LRMs.  Now it is LPMs!

After you've got the basics, it is then time to experiment.  Change only one thing at a time.  If you change more than one thing, you will never know what really worked.

When I say "basics", and "changes", that includes shooting and bench rest skills as well.

[john boy]

After you've got the basics, it is then time to experiment.  Change only one thing at a time.  If you change more than one thing, you will never know what really worked.

+1 in the column of Sir Charles

Might add - learn early what the Master rank shooters use and jump on their coat tails.  Ponce De Leon chased the Fountain of Youth and Black Powder shooters are still chasing the Magic Bullet!  Hint - Hint!

[Delmonico]

With mine the Federal 215's were the best.  But with me also, a good taper crimp on them helped even more. 

As always, millage can and will vary.

[john boy]

Chancy-  Addition item.  Read and Save this reference article ... http://www.theopenrange.net/forum/index.php?topic=6016.0

[Chancy Shot]

Thank you all for the information.  I have a place to start.  It is starting to look like a journey.  I will touch base along the way and let you know how it is going.

Chancy

[Dick Dastardly]

Yup Chancy, it's a journey.  You got that right.  Also, it helps if you can define your destination.  For some it's hunting, for some it's killing steel, for others it's punching holes in paper.  The distance makes a difference and the dividing line seems to be 500 yards.  Beyond that you're into long range BPCR shooting.  Inside that you have more options.

It's ok to change your mission now and then, but it's best to stay focused early on.

You'll meet a lot of great pards along the way.

DD-DLoS

[Chancy Shot]

Thanks to all who provided info. 

My Buffalo Classic arrived and I am pleased with its appearance.  I loaded up 10 rounds with 405 grain RNFP bullets from Chey-Cast, 65 grains of Elephant fffg and Winchester large pistol primers.  Another 10 rounds with 70 grains of powder and off to the range.

I am here to tell you the boom and smoke were fun. The bullets went down range and were close to the target. It seems that I will be doing a lot more shooting before I let anyone around to see how I am doing. The rifle shoots a lot better than I do. All in all - a good day.

Chancy Shot

[mososodbob]

Good Morning Everyone,

My apologies in advance if this is not an appropriate subject for this thread ...please point me in the right direction...

I am a newbie to this forum as well as to Indian War era guns.  I need information on reloading 45-70 ammunitions for two of my rifles.  I'm hoping members on this forum can assist with their hands-on experiences and lessons learned.

I have a Shilo Sharps and an H&R 1873 Officer's Model.  Both are in 45-70.  I'm looking for information on developing a "forage load".  This is primarily for my Trapdoor when I'm doing my "walk-about" looking for critters and other shoot-able objects. 

I'm Looking for a light load with minute-of-rabbit accuracy.  I would like to use pistol powder, specifically Bullseye, and pistol bullets.

- Will the pistol-sized bullets at .452 be "OK" in my rifle barrels?
If not, how about the .454 Long Colt bullets?
- Can I use fast burning powder like Bullseye in a big case like the 45-70?
Any issues?

I'm shooting .45 ACP 200gr loads out of a carbine and getting about 2-3 inch groups at 50 yards.  Similar performance envelope is desired.

Thanks for your help.

v/r

Bob

[mososodbob]

Talking about dumb...Sorry everyone...

It was not the question but the place to ask it.  Got it now.  DARKSIDE = Black Powder.  Do I feel dorky.

Not unlike walking into a (fill-in-the-blank) Bar and and not fully realizing you are not like everyone else and saddle up to the bar and ask for a drink...as your eyes adjust to the dark...you become aware...javascript:void(0);

Taking my toys to another room now.

Very respectfully yours,

Bob

[Dick Dastardly]

Ho Bob,

Ya won't get hung fer yer crime.  Come back here soon as you get ready to enjoy the One True Powder, Holy Black.  You don't have to completely and forever forsake yer heathen ways, just learn of the true path to the enlightenment of the pure white smoke, cleansing flames and sulfurous fragrance.

Come Bob.  Come to the Darkside.  We will assimilate you and soon you will become one of us.

DD-DLoS